Tech Lead: Hands-On Backend Architect + AI-Driven Builder

Actian; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote or hybrid

Competitive salary

Professional growth

Diverse team

Job summary

Actian is seeking a highly technical Tech Lead to guide a small feature team of 3–4 engineers. You will write backend code, architect scalable systems, and lead by example, not just manage meetings.

You will own the technical execution using a modern SaaS stack (Scala, Python, TypeScript) and apply AI coding agents to boost velocity while preserving quality. Remote or hybrid work is supported.

Qualifications

• Deep backend engineering experience building and scaling cloud-native SaaS platforms.
• Production-proven experience in Scala; Python or TypeScript is a plus.
• Deep experience using AI coding agents in daily work and prompting/ reviewing AI-generated code.
• Builder mindset: loves coding and shipping features over traditional management.
• Strong product empathy and collaboration with product managers.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on coding and execution for complex backend challenges.
• Guide technical direction using Scala/Python/TypeScript for robust data systems and features.
• Promote and teach AI coding agents to improve team velocity without compromising quality.
• Own the technical execution and architectural decisions for multi-tenant cloud SaaS features.
• Connect with product vision and translate goals into concrete technical tasks.
• Mentor engineers through pair programming and code reviews to raise the bar.
• Drive team milestones, remove blockers, and maintain delivery velocity.
• Collaborate closely with Product Managers to refine features and priorities.
• Ensure production health, security, and efficient cloud deployments.

Skills

Backend engineering

Scala

Python

TypeScript

AI coding agents

Leadership

Communication

Job description

Actian is seeking a highly technical Tech Lead to guide a small feature team of 3–4 engineers. You will write backend code, architect scalable systems, and lead by example, not just manage meetings.

You will own the technical execution using a modern SaaS stack (Scala, Python, TypeScript) and apply AI coding agents to boost velocity while preserving quality. Remote or hybrid work is supported.